15 Best Places to Visit in Xinjiang: The Ultimate Bucket List

Xinjiang is massive – it covers 1.66 million square kilometers (bigger than Western Europe). With so much to see, planning an itinerary can be overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the 15 best places to visit in Xinjiang, organized by region. Whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks, this list will help you prioritize.

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Northern Xinjiang (伊北疆)

The most popular region for tourists. Known for stunning alpine lakes, grasslands, and forests.

1. Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖)

Often called “China’s Switzerland,” Kanas Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, birch forests, and meadows. The water changes color throughout the day – from turquoise to deep blue to emerald green.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers
Best time: September-October (autumn colors)
See our full guide: Kanas Lake Travel Guide

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2. Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)

The “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” This alpine lake sits at 2,073m elevation and is fed by snowmelt (no rivers flow in or out). The water is incredibly blue.

Best for: Road trippers, photographers
Best time: June-July (wildflowers)
See our full guide: Sayram Lake Travel Guide

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3. Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原)

One of the world’s four largest alpine meadows. Endless green grass, wildflowers, and Kazakh nomads with their yurts and horses.

Best for: Hikers, cultural experiences
Best time: July-August (wildflower season)
See our full guide: Nalati Grassland Travel Guide

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4. Tianchi Lake (天池)

The “Heavenly Lake.” A mythical alpine lake with a legendary backstory (it’s the mirror of the Queen Mother of the West).

Best for: Day trippers from Ürümqi
Best time: June-September
See our full guide: Tianchi Lake Travel Guide

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5. Burqin (布尔津)

A charming town on the way to Kanas Lake. Known for its colorful Russian-style buildings and the “Burqin Night Market” (amazing grilled fish).

Best for: Foodies, road trippers
Best time: Summer
Don’t miss: Grilled Siberian sturgeon at the night market

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Southern Xinjiang (南疆)

Less touristy than the north, but richer in culture and history. This is the heart of the Silk Road.

6. Kashgar Old City (喀什老城)

A living museum of Uyghur culture. Narrow alleys, wooden balconies, tandoor ovens, and tea houses. One of the best-preserved Islamic medieval cities in the world.

Best for: Culture lovers, photographers
Best time: April-May, September-October
See our full guide: Kashgar Old City Travel Guide

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7. Taxkorgan (塔什库尔干)

A remote town on the Pakistan border. Home to the Tajik people (not Uyghur). Stunning mountain scenery and the starting point of the Karakoram Highway.

Best for: Adventure travelers
Best time: June-September
Don’t miss: Sunday livestock market

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8. Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路)

One of the highest paved roads in the world. Connects China and Pakistan. The views are mind-blowing – snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and high-altitude lakes.

Best for: Road trippers, adventure seekers
Best time: June-September (border open)
Note: Need permit to cross into Pakistan

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9. Yarkand (莎车)

A lesser-known oasis town on the southern Silk Road. Famous for the Yarkand Khanate Palace and Muqam music (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage).

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers
Best time: April-May, September-October

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Eastern Xinjiang (东疆)

The driest region, but home to some of Xinjiang’s most unique landscapes.

10. Turpan (吐鲁番)

A desert oasis famous for grapes, watermelons, and Silk Road history. The hottest place in China (temperatures reach 50°C in summer).

Best for: History buffs, foodies
Best time: April-May, September-October
Top attractions: Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains

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11. Flaming Mountains (火焰山)

Red sandstone mountains that look like they’re on fire. Made famous by the novel “Journey to the West.”

Best for: Photography, literature fans
Best time: Sunrise or sunset (the red color is most intense)

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Central Xinjiang (中疆)

The urban and industrial heart of Xinjiang, but with surprising natural beauty.

12. Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐)

The capital of Xinjiang. Not a tourist destination per se, but a necessary stop. Good for:
– Xinjiang Regional Museum (see the mummies)
– Grand Bazaar (shopping, food)
– Hongshan Park (city views)

Best for: Transit stop, shopping
Best time: Any time

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13. Dushanzi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷)

A stunning canyon with colorful rock formations. Less famous than the Grand Canyon in the US, but equally impressive.

Best for: Photographers, road trippers
Best time: Sunrise or sunset

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Western Xinjiang (西疆)

Remote and rarely visited by tourists, but incredibly beautiful.

14. Khunjerab Pass (红其拉甫口岸)

The highest border crossing in the world (4,693m). On the China-Pakistan border. The views are out of this world.

Best for: Adventure travelers
Best time: June-September (border open)
Note: Need permit

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15. Aksu (阿克苏)

A growing city in western Xinjiang. Not a major tourist destination, but a good base for exploring the nearby Tianshan Mountains.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers
Best time: Summer

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How to Choose?

If you have 3 days:

– Option A: Ürümqi + Tianchi Lake
– Option B: Kashgar Old City

If you have 7 days:

– Northern Xinjiang: Ürümqi → Tianchi → Kanas → Sayram
– Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar → Taxkorgan → Turpan

If you have 14 days:

– Do the Northern + Southern Xinjiang loop:
Ürümqi → Kanas → Sayram → Nalati → Kashgar → Turpan → Ürümqi

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Best Time to Visit Each Place

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Final Thoughts

Xinjiang is not a one-trip destination. You could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see it all. But if you hit these 15 places, you’ll have experienced the best of what the region has to offer – from alpine lakes to desert oases, from Silk Road history to nomadic culture.

Start with the north (it’s more touristy but easier), then venture south (it’s grittier but more authentic). And whatever you do – take your time. Xinjiang isn’t a place to rush.

More Xinjiang travel planning:
– 7-Day Xinjiang Itinerary
– Best Time to Visit Xinjiang
– How to Get to Xinjiang